Welcome to Mound Westonka
Friendly lakeshore community with a small-town vibe
Mound is a quaint city on the western shores of Lake Minnetonka that is named for the Native American burial grounds that characterize the unique bluffs of its shoreline. The community first grew around the cabin of Matthias Cook in the 1850s, which provided travelers with a place to stay during fishing vacations on the lake. The lake remains a central part of life in the community. Mound also offers its residents access to the 26.5-mile Dakota Trail for walking and biking.
Mound has many peaceful and well-established neighborhoods of single-family homes along with newer developments of luxurious private properties and elegant townhomes. Mound’s lakeshore properties often feature their own private boat slips.
What to Love
- Small-town atmosphere
- Annual events
- Family-run businesses
- Dakota Trail
People & Lifestyle
Mound is an active and long-established community with a character unique among the communities on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Mound’s businesses are an eclectic mix of mid-century throwbacks and trendy modern establishments. Most businesses are family-run, and Mound offers the welcoming atmosphere of a long-established community. Many residents have lived their whole lives in Mound. Frequent local events help to add to the sense of small-town inclusiveness.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Mound’s main downtown area is located at the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Commerce Boulevard. Businesses here include Dakota Junction, an inviting spot for eclectic American-style eats nestled alongside the Dakota Trail. More restaurants run along Shoreline Drive heading west toward Spring Park. Head to Minnetonka Drive-In for classic 1960s-style dining on burgers and onion rings. On Thursday nights, Minnetonka Drive-In has a classic car-themed auto memorabilia show. The nearby Back Channel Brewing Company is a more modern addition to Mound’s dining and bar scene. This stylish contemporary craft brewery has a great selection of beers on tap and ever-changing specialty food trucks offering unique gourmet eats. Al & Alma’s offers some of Lake Minnetonka’s most exceptional dining experiences with charter and public cruises providing delicious food and drink on the lake’s waters. Al & Alma’s cruises take place on first-class luxury yachts and offer buffet dining from a wide choice of dishes.
Things to Do
Mound has a packed annual events calendar that includes some of Lake Minnetonka’s most exciting celebrations. Spirit of the Lakes in June has a grand parade, craft beer, arts-and-crafts vendors, historic boat tours, and the Minnesota Wakesurf Championship at Surfside Park Beach. October’s Our Lady of the Lake Incredible Festival features three days of live music and dance performances, carnival rides, a silent auction and incredible raffle, and many other family-friendly activities. Tonka Brew Fest in November is the ultimate celebration of the outstanding local craft beer scene. Sixteen local brewers participate in the festival, giving beer lovers plenty of varieties to sample. Premier boat clubs such as Minnetonka Boat Club & Rental and Rockvam Boat Yards offer storage and rentals for everything from jet skis to fishing boats. The paved Dakota Trail runs through Mound and connects it with the nearby communities of Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Orono, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius, and Wayzata. Covering close to 30 miles, this scenic trail takes in many spectacular views over Lake Minnetonka.
Schools
Mound is zoned to the Westonka Public School District. Highlights include:
- Shirley Hills Primary School, Public, K-4
- Hilltop Primary School, Public, K-4
- Grandview Middle School, Public, 5-7
- Mound Westonka High School, Public, 8-12